Follow the trails of the great Masters as you explore the cradle of the Renaissance, from Florence’s renown galleries to its art-adorned streets.
Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Botticelli, Brunelleschi, Giotto, Dante Alighieri, Donatello, Raphael, Titian, Perugino… The list goes on!
If you know a little bit about art — especially art of the Renaissance — you know these names. Masters of sculpture, architecture and even science, they have not only shaped an entire era but created the foundation of what we know today.
Florence, the City of Lilies, is their heritage. Whether you stroll through tiny alleys or crowded piazzas: these are the same streets the great masters walked — the places they honed their craft, where they debated and polished their works, meanwhile leaving their artistic foot - and fingerprints all over Florence, north and south of the Arno River.
Florence’s art-adorned streets are, without doubt, an open-air museum. But some of the world’s most famous works of art wait behind the doors of the city’s spectacular galleries. Join us at Slow Tour Tuscany to experience Florence and its surrounding landscape, delving into the city’s artistic heritage as you get to pick the brains of our art historian guides.
1) THE STREETS OF FLORENCE & THE UFFIZI GALLERY
In Florence, art and history go hand-in-hand. Whether you turn to the city’s legendary monuments with their picturesque exteriors and their fascinating interiors, or you gaze over the many squares and piazzas, most of which are framed by statues and sculptures: There is a story everywhere! From the imposing Piazza della Signoria to Florence’s Dome: As we zigzag through the city center, we follow the steps of Florence’s Renaissance masters and learn about the small and big marks they have left on the city.
Of course, when it comes to art in Florence there is one place you cannot miss: The Uffizi Gallery! Home to the world’s biggest collection of Renaissance art, the Uffizi Gallery gives a stunning portrayal of Florence’s most important era and the personalities that shaped it. Thanks to a “Skip the Line” ticket, we move past long entrance queues to fully immerse in Florence’s art history.
To marvel at the works of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci or Raphael, you can join our tour here.
2) ACCADEMIA GALLERY
When Michelangelo accepted the challenging task of sculpting “David” from a single piece of white marble, he finished what two artists before him could not. To this day, the 14.0 ft statue is considered one of the greatest masterpieces ever created by mankind, depicting the ideal of male beauty.
Originally commissioned by the Opera del Duomo for the Cathedral of Florence, “David” is now home in Florence’s famous Accademia Gallery. From Michelangelo’s sculptures to Lorenzo Bartolini’s plaster casts and an abundance of Renaissance paintings: To learn about some of the world’s most famous art, book our tour here.
3) THE BRUNELLESCHI'S DOME, SANTA MARIA DEL FIORE CATHEDRAL
Of course, there is a reason Florence is known as the cradle of the Renaissance. Here you will see one of the greatest architecture masterpieces ever done, that continues to attract visitors to Florence from all the world. Join us for a climb-tour on the top of Brunelleschi's Dome to enjoy probably the most fascinating panoramic view in the world.
The cupola was created by Filippo Brunelleschi between 1420 and 1436, today the Cathedral Santa Maria del Fiore is considered one the most important gothic cathedrals, and surely it is Tuscany’s most iconic monument.
You will witness the fascinating correlation between art and history that tells us the monument right in the center of the city. The creation of Brunelleschi at that time was an incredible innovation, made of two levels, it permits you to enter inside. Surprisingly, it still remains the biggest cupola in the world made of bricks.
Join us to explore the stunning views of Florence here !